Pashtuns of Pakistan claimed their independence and accepted neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan as their legitimate government. 100 year contract of Pashtunistan similar to Hong Kong had ended with the transfer of land from British to Afghanistan.
General Mohammed Daud becomes prime minister. Turns to Soviet Union for economic and military assistance. Introduces a number of social reforms, such as abolition of purdah (practice of secluding women from public view).
Mohammed Daud seizes power in a coup and declares a republic. Tries to play off USSR against Western powers. His style alienates left-wing factions who join forces against him.
Operation Storm-333: Soviet troops occupied major governmental, military and media buildings in Kabul, including the Tajbeg Presidential Palace, and executed Prime Minister Amin
As part of American Operation Infinite Reach about 75 cruise missiles were fired by the US into the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan at four militant training camps around Khost and Jalalabad: three camps in the Jarawah area near Khost, one of which, El Far
September 11, 2001 attacks: Alleged members of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda organization Taliban, headquartered in Pakistan, committed a series of terrorist attacks on the commercial and military centers of the United States.